Teachings

GOOD NEWS PARTNERS

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:38:00 +0000

GOOD NEWS PARTNERS
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ April 18, 2010

Text: Phil 1: 1-11

1. Partners have an appreciation for one another. (3)

We need to appreciate what partnership can accomplish.

We need to appreciate the growth process. Prov 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

We need to appreciate & encourage one another. We all need it. Heb 3:13 “But encourage one another daily.”

We need appreciate & recognize one another’s uniqueness.

2. Partners pray for one another. (4)

Notice what Paul prayed for them in (9-11)

3. Partners are confident in God’s ability to work in us. (6)

4. Partners have a heart connection. (6)

Amos 3:3 “Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? NLT

5. Partners share in God’s grace. (7)

6. Partners have the affection of Christ for one another. (8)

CONCLUSION: I thank God for you…for our partnership in the Gospel!

How to prepare for eternity

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:16:00 +0000

HOW TO PREPARE FOR ETERNAL LIFE
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ April 4, 2010

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His Only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not Perish but have Everlasting Life.” KJV

1 Cor. 15:2 “By the gospel you are saved”

God’s … only …Son …perished… eternal… life

I. YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH GOD LOVES YOU
“God SO loved the world...”

1 John 4:9-10

1 John 3:1

Ephesians 3:18-19

II. YOU NEED TO RECOGNIZE WHAT GOD GAVE YOU
“that He GAVE His only begotten Son...”

2 Cor. 5:21

Ephesians 2:8

III. YOU NEED TO ACCEPT GOD’S FREE GIFT
“that WHOEVER BELIEVES in Him...”

Titus 2:11

Colossians 3:11

Romans 3:22

IV. YOU CAN ANTICIPATE SPENDING ETERNITY WITH GOD
“should not perish but have EVERLASTING LIFE!”

1 Peter 1:3-5

Conclusion: Are you prepared to spend eternity with God?

HOW TO RECOGNIZE WHAT GOD IS DOING

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:26:00 +0000

HOW TO RECOGNIZE WHAT GOD IS DOING
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ March 28, 2010

Text: Luke 19: 41-44,

1. GOD WANTS TO GIVE YOU SPIRITUAL EYES

(42-44) "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace — but now it is hidden from your eyes… you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."

A. Spiritual eyes come through repentance.

Matt 3:2 & 4:17"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Matt 21:31-32

B. Spiritual eyes come from Jesus

Mark 8:22-25

2 Kings 6:15-17

2. GOD WANTS YOU TO SEE WHAT HE IS DOING TODAY

A. God wants you to see and enter the kingdom.

John 3: 1-8

Matt 13:11-17

B. God wants you to have His PEACE.

CONCLUSION: What is the Holy Spirit revealing to you today? What is it that He wants you to see? Do you recognize God’s coming to you?

How to have a good relationship with God

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 17:12:00 +0000

HOW TO HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ March 21, 2010

Text: Luke 18: 9-14

I. HE KNEW HE DIDN’T HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD “the tax collector stood at a distance.” (13)

Eph 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.”

II. HE FELT ASHAMED “He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

2 Cor. 7:8-11

III. HE KNEW HE NEEDED GOD’S MERCY “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Eph 2:4-5

1 Peter 1:3-4

IV. HE KNEW THAT HE WAS A SINNER! “God be merciful to me a sinner.”

Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

James 4:17 “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

V. HE KNEW WHERE TO GET MERCY. “God”

John 3:16-17

VI. HE WENT HOME WITH A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

2 Cor 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”

CONCLUSION: Today take an honest look at yourself and then cry out for God’s mercy.

HOW TO EXCELL AS A CHRISTIAN

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:12:00 +0000

HOW TO EXCEL AS A CHRISTIAN
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ March 7, 2010

Text: Phil 1:9-11 "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God."

Eph 1:17-19, Col 1:9-10, 2 Cor 8:6-7, 1 Thess 3:12-13

I. GOD WANTS YOU TO EXCEL IN LOVE
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more…” (9)
I Corinthians 13:1-7

II. GOD WANTS YOU TO EXCEL IN KINGDOM KNOWLEDGE - "abound more and more in knowledge" (9)

I Corinthians 3: 2-3, 2 Peter 1:3-9, Eph 1:17-19

III. GOD WANTS YOU TO EXCEL IN SPIRITUAL INSIGHT- "… depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best" (9-10)

A. Spiritual insight comes from a combination of the Word of God and a relationship with the Holy Spirit. Col.1:9-11

1. The Holy Spirit gives us discernment between good and evil. 1 Thess. 5:21-22, 1 John 4:1

2. The Holy Spirit moves people to act on truth. John 16:13

3. The Holy Spirit counsels us about making the right choices.

4. The Holy Spirit imparts wisdom about people and situations.

5. The Holy Spirit illumines us with His abiding presence, power and perspectives just when we need them.

6. The Holy Spirit keeps us headed in the right direction. Galatians 5:16, Heb 12:14

Conclusion: Like Paul, my prayer for each of you is to excel in God's love, knowledge and spiritual insight. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today?

The Salvation Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:03:00 +0000

THE SALVATION EXPERIENCE
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ February 28, 2010

Text: 1 Peter 1:22- 2:3

2:2-3 “Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness." NLT

I. YOU HAVE BEEN CREATED TO CRAVE GOD

A. We crave to know our Creator.

II. YOU HAVE BEEN CREATED TO TASTE THE LORD'S GOODNES (3) "…now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."

Ps 34:8 "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."

A. We taste to satisfy our craving.

1. The born again experience is the first taste.

John 3:1-7

John 6:53-58
2. God wants you to taste the REAL THING.

John 6:27 "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you."

B. God wants you to grow up in your Salvation experience.

Matt5:6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."

Conclusion: Have you been born again?

Devoted to Fellowship (part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:00:00 +0000

DEVOTED TO FELLOWSHIP (part 2)
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ February 21, 2010

Text: Acts 2: 40-47

Eph 2:10 “He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing” Msg.

1. A Church Family Helps Us Grow (41, 47)

A. A healthy Church family grows naturally.

Eph 4:16

B. A healthy Church family helps me to grow.

Heb 2:1, Prov 27:17

2. A Church Family Moves Us Out of Self-centered Isolation. (44-46)

A. The local church is the classroom for learning how to get along in God’s family. It is a lab for practicing unselfish, sympathetic love. As a participating member you learn to care about others and share the experiences of others:

1 Cor 12:26, 1 John 3:16

B. God has a unique role for every believer to play in his family. 1Cor 12:7, Heb 3:13

C. We are called and commanded to be involved in each other’s lives.

3. A Church Family Helps Us Develop Spiritual Muscle (43)

A. Apostles are birthed, and developed in the local church to impact the world.

CONCLUSION: What is the Holy Spirit saying to you about your role in the Church Family?

Devoted to Communion

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:58:00 +0000

DEVOTED TO COMMUNION
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ February 14, 2010

Text: Acts 2: 42-47, John 13: 1-17

1. COMMUNION REMINDS US THAT JESUS BECAME A SERVANT

A. He gave up His position in heaven to come and serve.

B. He ministered to people’s needs.

C. He led by example and washed the disciple’s feet.

D. He laid down His life on the cross for us.

2. COMMUNION REMINDS US TO BE SERVANTS LIKE JESUS

A. Serving accomplishes the Master's purpose for my life.

1 Peter 5:5 "all of you, serve each other in humility, for "God opposes the proud but favors the humble."

B. I must serve God, not out of convenience, but conviction.

C. Servants are BLESSED

(17) "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

CONCLUSION: Jesus came to revolutionize this earth through servanthood. He has called, appointed & anointed YOU to serve Him and your generation. He has called YOU to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to your generation through acts of servanthood.

Devoted to Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:56:00 +0000

DEVOTED TO PRAYER
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ Feb 7, 2010
Text: Acts 2: 42-47, Nehemiah 1

1. PRAY TO GOD IN HEAVEN (5)
Nehemiah said three things about God:
1. You're great - that's God's position.
2. You're awesome - that shows God's power.
3. You keep your promises - that's God's covenant.
2. CONFESS THE SIN IN YOUR LIFE (6)
Rom 10:10 "For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

James 5:16 "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

1 John 1:9-10 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives."

3. CLAIM THE PROMISES OF GOD (8-10)
2 Cor 1:20 "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ."

2 Peter 1:4 "Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."

4. BE VERY SPECIFIC IN WHAT YOU ASK FOR (11)
Matt 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

Heb 10:19 "And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus." NLT

Eph 3:12 "Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come fearlessly into God's presence, assured of his glad welcome." NLT

Conclusion: As we devote ourselves to pray, we can see the hand of God move in our lives, families, church, city, nation and world.

DEVOTED TO FELLOWSHIP

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 20:15:00 +0000

DEVOTED TO FELLOWSHIP
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ January 24, 2010

Text: Acts 2:42-47, 4: 32-37

The key to having Christian fellowship is GRACE. (47) “…praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”

Acts 4:33 “and much grace was upon them all.”

True koinonia is founded upon MUCH GRACE.

I. FELLOWSHIP IS PARTICIPATION

Gal 6:2 “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Rom 12:15-16 “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another.”

II. FELLOWSHIP IS A PARTNERSHIP

Acts 2:1 “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” NKJV

Acts 2:44-46 notice how many times the word “together” is used.

Acts 4:32: “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.”

Phil 1:1-11

III. FELLOWSHIP IS PROVISION

Acts 2:44-45 “All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.”

Acts 4:32: No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.”

Conclusion: As the Grace of God fills our hearts may we have true Christian fellowship that blesses people & builds the Kingdom of Christ.

Devoted to God's Word

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:18:00 +0000

DEVOTED TO GOD’S WORD
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ January 17, 2010

Text: Acts 2:42-47
Albert Barnes “One evidence of conversion is a desire to be instructed in the doctrines, and a willingness to attend to the preaching of the gospel.”

The apostles were devoted to preach and teach and defined their priority to preaching the Word in Acts 6:3-4 “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

1. BE TEACHABLE
Ronald Reagan said, “Within the covers of one single book, the Bible, are all the answers to all the problems that face us today--if only we would read and believe.”

A. Have an ear to hear and eye to see and a right spirit/heart. Ezek 12:2, Luke 8:8

B. Have a hunger to learn. Matt 5:6, 1 Peter 2:2-3, Ex 33:13

C. Surrender to the Word, allow God to do amazing things in your life.
> It guides our life- Ps 119:105
> It teaches us truth- John 8:31-32
> It cleanses us- John 15:3
> It reveals sin and attitudes of our hearts-
> It is worth our attention and devotion- 2 Tim 4:2-4

II. BE TAUGHT
A. Put yourself in a position to learn.

B. Surround yourself with people you can learn from.

C. Take advantage of learning opportunities.

III. BE A TEACHER
Acts 11:19-21
A. Take what you learn and share it with others.

B. Don’t be afraid, share what you know. Col 3:16

C. Be an example. 1 Cor 11:1
Close: Have you ever felt like spiritually you were going up the wrong side of an escalator and weren’t getting very far. Devote yourself to this cycle of being devoted to the apostles teaching.

How to win as many as possible

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:54:00 +0000

HOW TO WIN AS MANY AS POSSIBLE

Pastor Steve Trimble ~ January 10, 2010

Text: I Cor. 9: 19-23, 2 Cor 6: 14-17

Matt 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Sitka Assembly of God is a BRIDGE whereby people can be connected to their Heavenly Father.

Here is three ways the Lord placed in my heart for us to be a Bridge.

1. We connect to people in RELEVANT ways.

Even though we are uncomfortable, & should be uncomfortable, w/many of changes in our culture, we must also understand that this is the culture we have been called to minister to.

2. We connect with people in REAL life.

People need to see real/genuine faith in action, real love, real hope & real compassion.

Phil 2:19-22 “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”

3. We connect to people through RELATIONSHIPS.

CONCLUSION: Are we, THE CHURCH, becoming all things to all men so that by all possible means we might save some?

The Power of a Thankful Relationship, Nov. 29, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:42:00 +0000

Sermon: THE POWER OF A THANKFUL RELATIONSHIP
Series: The Power of Relationships
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ Nov. 29, 2009

Text: 2 Tim 3:1-5 “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power.” NKJV

1. Thankful relationships appreciate one another.
Eph 4:25-32

2. Thankful relationships honor one another.
Rom 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

3. Thankful relationships encourage one another
1 Thess 5:11“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.”

Heb 3:13 “But encourage one another daily.”

Heb 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.”

4. Thankful relationships respect one another.
1 Peter 2:17 “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers.”

5. Thankful relationships forgive one another.

Common Deceptions of Unforgiveness: Matt 18: 21-35

1. Unforgiveness will have no ill effects on my relationship with God. Matt 18:23, 35, Luke 6:37-38

2. There is a limit to how much I should forgive. Matt 18:21

3. Some people don't deserve to be forgiven. Matt 18:28
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world"

4. Forgiveness is optional - Matt. 18:32-33, Matt 6:11-15

5. There are no consequences for unforgiveness - Matt 18:34-35

Physical torture-
Emotional torture-
Spiritual torment-

6. Just saying "I forgive you" is good enough - Matt 18: 35 “from your heart”

CONCLUSION: Every relationship you have can be positively changes by having a heart of thanksgiving. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you about the attitude of your heart?

The Power of Blessing Relationships, Nov.15,2009

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:40:00 +0000

Sermon: THE POWER OF BLESSING RELATIONSHIPS
Series: The Power of Relationship
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ November 15, 2009

Text: Rom 12: 9-21

John 15:12-13, 1 John 3:16-19, Gal 5:22-23, Col 3:12-14
1 Peter 3:8-12

1. Bless people with sincerity (9, 10)
(9) “Let love be without hypocrisy.” NKJV
(10) "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;" NKJV

John 13:35, 1 Tim 1:5-6, James 3:17-18, Philippians 2:3

2. Bless people zealously (11)

3. Bless people with prayer (12)

4. Bless people with hospitality (13)

5. Bless with forgiveness (14, 17)

6. Bless people with compassion (15)
Gal 6:2 "Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

7. Bless people with harmony and humility (16)

Ps 133:1 "how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"

8. Bless people with peace (18)

9. Bless people with grace (19-20)

10. Bless with goodness (21)

Conclusion: Blessing is a powerful force in all relationships. Most relational conflicts and problems can be solved by blessing instead of cursing.

The Power of Covenant Relationships, Nov.8,2009

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:38:00 +0000

Sermon: THE POWER OF COVENANT RELATIONSHIPS
Series: The Power of Relationships
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ November 8, 2009

Text: Matt 25:31-46

Luke 12:34 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

CONTRACT RELATIONSHIPS

Contract - we enter into a contract to protect our rights and limit our responsibilities.

> They are more worried about self and self rights.

> They enter relationships for what they can get.

> They limit their responsibilities, yet expect the rewards.

> They limit their involvement, yet expect the benefits.

COVENANT RELATIONSHIPS

Covenant - we give up all our rights and assume all our responsibilities

Jesus set the example - Matt 26:28, Rom 5:8, Heb 9:15

1. Covenant relationships surrender.

Rom 6:3-4, 1 Cor 6:19-20
2. Covenant relationships submit.

Eph 5:1-2, 21

3. Covenant relationships serve.

Matt 20:28 “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

4. Covenant relationships give.

Acts 4:32-34, 1 John 3:17, Luke 19:1-10,

5. Covenant relationships protect.

Rom 15:5, Eph 4:3, Acts 20:28-29, Rom 16:17

6. Covenant relationships forgive.

Matt 6:14-15

CONCLUSION: Is your relationship with God and people based on a contract or a covenant?

The Power of Priority in Relationships, Nov.1,2009

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:36:00 +0000

Sermon: THE POWER OF PRIORITY IN RELATIONSHIPS
Series: The Power of Relationships
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ November 1, 2009

Text: Gen 2:20-24

I. WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE PRIORITY OF CHRIST IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS

A. God has given us His plan for successful relationships

B. Every person and every relationship needs Christ.

John 6:35, Matt 11:28-30

C. Don’t look in all the wrong places for what only Christ can fulfill.

II. WE NEED TO ESTABLISH GOD’S PRIORITY IN
RELATIONSHIPS

A. Leaving and Cleaving, the Law of Priority.

B. Protecting your priorities.

The Bible describes God as a jealous God when other priorities take first place in our lives. Ex 34:14,
James 4: 4-5

Three things to do to establish correct priorities:

1. List the most important priorities in your life in order of the most importance.
2. Prove those priorities in real ways and in everyday life.
3. Prepare to protect those priorities for the rest of your life.

Conclusion: Throughout scripture God has established the importance of our relationship with Him, spouses, children, family and church family. Let’s do all we can to prioritize these relationships.

The Power of Pure Relationships , October 25, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:33:00 +0000

Sermon: THE POWER OF PURE RELATIONSHIPS
Series: The Power of Relationships
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ October 25, 2009

Text: James 4:1-10

I. WHAT CONTAMINATES PURE RELATINSHIPS?

A. The desire to have what I want. (2)

B. The desire to be pleased. (3) "You want only what will give you pleasure" LB.

C. The desire to have my way (6)

Proverbs 13:10 "Pride leads to arguments" LB.

II. HOW CAN I HAVE PURE RELATIONSHIPS?

A. Be pure in my relationship with God.

The first step to be pure is to "Submit yourself then to God." (7)

Colossians 3:15 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart."

B. Understand how the devil is working in your heart.
(7) "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

2 Cor. 2:11 "In order that Satan might not outwit us, we are not unaware of his schemes."

C. I need to get closer to God. (8)

Isaiah 26:3 "He will keep him in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord."

D. Be willing to purify your hearts and relationships

(9) "Let there be tears for the wrong you've done." LB.

Phil 2:3-5 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”

CONCLUSION: The most important thing we can do in life is to keep our relationship with God and one another pure. Nothing else really matters.

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:39:00 +0000

Sermon: THE POWER OF UNITY
Series: THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ October 18, 2009

Text: Acts 10: 44-48, 11:1-18

“Christians are like porcupines in a snowstorm. We need each other to keep warm but we prick each other if we get too close.”

I. UNITY IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF CONFLICT

A. Conflict will come… it is inevitable.

The cycle of all relationships: Courtship -- Commitment -- Honeymoon -- Conflict -- Resolution -- Growth -- Multiplication.

B. The Purpose of Conflict.

C. The Cycle of Conflict.

Community – Conflict – Choices – Change – Community

II. UNITY IS PROMOTING GOD'S AGENDA

A. What is my responsibility and role in conflict?

1. Be quick to listen and slow to speak.
James 1:19-20; 3:6, 8

2. Evaluate and search for truth before you react. (17) "…who was I to think that I could oppose God."

3. Keep a right spirit.

4. Keep your heart clean from offence. (18) "When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God."

5. Never listen to "hear say"… never make up your mind until you know the facts.

Remember there are always two sides to every story and then there is the truth.

6. Follow Biblical guidelines - Matt 18:15-18

Conclusion: Stay united for God's purpose--The battle you are facing is a distraction; the real issue is to maintain oneness with Christ.

A Second Chance

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:24:00 +0000

A SECOND CHANCE
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ September 13, 2009

Text: Judges 16: 21-31

I. GOD HAS NOT GIVEN UP ON YOU

(22) “But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved.”

A. He’s the God of a second chance.

Matt 9:12-13 Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

II. YOU CAN OVERCOME, YOU CAN BE VICTORIOUS

A. It all begins with crying out to God.

(28) “Then Samson prayed to the Lord, "O Sovereign Lord, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more..."

Neh. 5:19, Ps 25:7, Ps 106:4, Luke 23:42

B. We must have the courage to face our failures.

Luke 15:17-20

C. When we cry out to God, it is then we find the grace to overcome.

2 Sam 14:14 "God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him."

Rom 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"

Rom 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Col. 1:15-22--- God’s plan of reconciliation

CONCLUSION: You may be in a prison today, head shaved and ashamed of your actions. But God has devised a plan so you do not have to be estranged from Him for another minute. Right now you can come to this altar and cry out “REMEMBER ME”.

Great Exploits

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:22:00 +0000

GREAT EXPLOITS
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ September 6, 2009

Judges 13:24-25 “The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him…”

Dan 11:32 “the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” NKJV

I. GOD WANTS YOU TO KNOW HIM “the people who know their God”

A. God is stirring you to know, desire & pursue Him.

Phil 3:7-11

2 Peter 1:3-4 “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

Vine's Expository Dictionary= to know thoroughly, a full, or thorough knowledge.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon= precise and correct knowledge

Phil 1:9-11

II. GOD WANTS YOU TO BE STRONG IN HIM “the people who know their God shall be strong”

A. Our relationship with Christ gives us our position of strength.

Acts 19:13-16

John 15:5

2 Cor 12:10

Philippians 4: 13

III. GOD WANTS YOU TO CARRY OUT GREAT EXPLOITS “the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”

Exploits= to butt with the horns, to gore & push down.

A. God wants to use you to expand His Kingdom.

Matt 28:18-20

CONCLUSION: Let the Spirit of God begin to stir in you to draw you to a deeper, stronger and more fruitful life in Christ.

Finding Your Spiritual Strength

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:58:00 +0000

FINDING YOUR SPIRITUAL STRENGTH
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ August 30, 2009

TEXT: Judges 16

I. YOUR SPIRTUAL STRENGTH COMES THROUGH FAITH

A. Spiritual strength comes through faith in God.

Heb 11:32-35

B. Your spiritual strength comes when by faith you enter into a relationship with God and by faith you maintain that relationship.

Rom 5:1-2

Gal 2:20

You live out your faith in this body, EVERYDAY & EVERYWHERE.

II. YOUR SPIRITUAL STRENGTH COMES FROM THE LORD

A. Spiritual strength comes from our relationship with Jesus.

Eph 6:10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

1 Peter 5:10-11

2 Peter 1:3

III. YOUR SPIRITUAL STRENGTH COMES BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

Luke 24:49 “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Eph 3:16 “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.”

CONCLUSION: You can find all the spiritual strength you need today to handle every test, trial and temptation through faith, from the Lord and by the Holy Spirit.

The Amazing Chase, August 23,2009

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:50:00 +0000

THE AMAZING CHASE
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ August 23, 2009

John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last.” NIV

Rom 10:21 "All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people." NIV

I. GOD WANTS TO HAVE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU

A. God is chasing, pursuing you! Eph 1:3-6

Predestination means that God predetermined that He loved you and prepared a way for you to know Him and have a relationship with you, before you even loved Him.

Rom 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

2 Peter 3:9 “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

B. You need to realize how much God loves you.
John 3:16

1 John 4:9-10 “God showed how much He loved us by sending His only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love. He sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” NLT

C. God wanted a family to love. 1 John 3:1 “What an incredible quality of love the Father has shown us that we should be permitted to be called and counted as the children of God.” Amp

D. God's love is four-dimensional for you. Eph. 3:18,19 “May you be able to feel and understand how long, how wide, how deep and how high God’s love really is and experience this love for yourself.” LB

1. How long is God’s love?

2. It is wide enough to be everywhere.

3. It is deep enough to handle everything.

4. Then it is high enough to overlook your mistakes.

II. GOD WANTS YOU TO PURSUE HIM

A. God is jealous when we ignore Him.

2 Cor 11:2-3, 1 Tim 6:6-13, 2 Tim 2:22, Heb 12:1-3

CONCLUSION: Right now you can have a relationship with God… stop running, turn to Him, He’s been chasing you. Invite Him to come into your life, forgive you of your sin & fill you with His Holy Spirit.

My New Eternal Life ~ August 9, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:52:00 +0000

MY NEW ETERNAL LIFE
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ August 9, 2009

Text: Matt. 13:47-50 NIV

I. YOU NEED TO PREPARE FOR A SPECIFIC DAY
(48) "When it (net) was full, the fisherman pulled it up on shore."
(49) " This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate…"

A. There is coming a day of separation.

Matt 24: 36-44

1 Thess. 4:13-18

1 Cor 15:51-52

Matt 25:31-33

II. YOU NEED TO PREPARE FOR A SPECIFIC PLACE
(48) " They…collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad fish away."
(50) “The angels will, "throw them into the fiery furnace."

A. Everyone will spend eternity in a specific place.

Matt. 7: 13-14

Luke 16:18-24

III. YOU NEED TO PREPARE IN A SPECIFIC WAY

How can I prepare for eternity?

A. Accept Christ as your Lord and Savior. Rom 10:9-13

B. Abide In Christ. John 15:5-8

C. Live with an eternal perspective.

James 4:14 "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."

D. Store up treasures in Heaven.

Matt 6:19-21

Matt 19:21

1 Tim 6:17-19

Conclusion: Today you can know where you will spend eternity. Eternity lasts forever…are you ready?

My New Life of Giving August 2, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:34:00 +0000

MY NEW LIFE OF GIVING
Pastor Steve Trimble ~ August 1st & 2nd, 2009

Text: 1 Cor 16:1-4

1. God's people gladly give to bless others. - "Now about the collection for God's people"(1)-- Acts 4:33-35

2. God's people give because they know it is the right thing to do! - "Do what I told the Galatian churches to do" (1).

2 Cor 8:2 "Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

3. God always wants to be FIRST in our lives. - "On the first day of the week"

First Day - Acts 20:7 “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread.”

First Commandment- Ex 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.”

First Fruits - Ex 23:19 "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God."

Prov 3:9-10

The First City - Josh 6:18-19, 7:1, Mal 3:8-10

4. Everyone has the ability to give. - "each one should set aside"…

5. We give in keeping with our increase. - "a sum of money in keeping with his income" -- Lev 27:30

6. We give to approved and trustworthy ministries. - “I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.” (3)

CONCLUSION: The way we handle God’s resources is probably the greatest test of our love, faith and devotion.

My New Life Of Grace & Generocity July 25, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Sitka Assembly of God) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:13:00 +0000

Text: 2 Cor. 8: 1-9 NIV

I. GIVE BACK WHAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED

A. When I am generous it helps to remind me of the grace that I received. 1 Tim 1:14 "The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus."

B. God gave first, now it is my turn to give.

C. When I do NOT grace people with generosity I diminish the Cross of Christ and the grace that saved me.

D. When I grace people with generosity I place value on them. "We are most like God when we're giving. Gaze upon Christ long enough and you'll become more of a giver. Give long enough, and you'll become more like Christ."

II. EXCELL IN THE GRACE OF GIVING

A. My giving is a reflection of my gratitude for Christ's sacrifice.

B. My giving is a true reflection of the sincerity of my faith.

C. My giving is a reflection of the depth of my experience of God’s love. Our giving habits reveal IF the substance of our faith has penetrated the grip of materialism that seeks to keep our hearts in bondage.

Conclusion:

ARE YOU GRACIOUS? Has the grace of God that forgave you and saved you been returned to others in the form of grace and generosity?